DWFRS has confirmed multiple crews remain in attendance while making steady progress to prevent further escalation and protect the nearby properties.
Here’s what we know so far:
When did the fire start?
A significant fire broke out at Holt Heath yesterday (August 9) at 11am, with emergency services responding promptly.
Fire crews had five pumping appliances, three small 4×4 vehicles, one water carrier and the Unimog in attendance initially and a further four appliances were requested.
(Image: Holt Heath fire, Credit: Simon Rowley) Crew in attendance were from Poole, Blandford, Wareham, Wimborne, Springbourne, Hamworthy, Salisbury and HIOWFRS crews from St Marys, New Milton and Eastleigh, Fordingbridge and Burley.
Number of emergency personnel or appliances involved since yesterday:
Around 100 firefighters were battling a blaze of approx. 1,000m x 800m at Holt Heath, near Wimborne. Firefighters from stations in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Devon and Somerset were called in to help the Dorset crews at the height of the blaze.
(Image: Holt Heath fire, Credit: Zoe Georgina) Statement from fire service:
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Langdown said: “We have declared a major incident both due to the size of the fire at Holt Heath, and also the impact of this and Newton Heath on our overall availability of resources.
“We are extremely grateful to our neighbouring services for the support they are giving us, and I can only praise all of our staff who are working so hard in extremely arduous conditions to bring these fires under control.”
(Image: Holt Heath fire, Credit:Harry Cunningham) Statement from Dorset Police:
A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 11.47am on Saturday 9 August 2025 from the fire service of a fire at Holt Heath in the Mannington area.
“Officers attended to assist the fire service with road closures and to help evacuate a small number of people from their properties.
“We are continuing to liaise with the fire service to understand if there are any suspicious circumstances in relation to this incident.”
What damage has been caused?
Approximately 69 hectares of land has been affected by fire at this stage.
(Image: Holt Heath fire, Credit: DWFRS) Road closures, warnings, or evacuations of residents:
Road closures are in place which are being managed by Dorset Council. These are Holt Road Mannington, Horton Road, Three Legged Cross, Harts Lane to Amble Mead Holt, Holt Road and Lower Row, Holt.
(Image: Holt Heath fire, Credit: Bliss Aviation) On August 9, 20 homes near the fire front evacuated as a precaution.
Local residents have also been advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke, which is visible from some miles away.
What is the current situation at Holt heath?
Firefighters are still working to manage any flare ups and hotspots using multiple pumping appliances, water carriers, small off road 4×4 vehicles and additional supporting appliances including the high volume pump.
The National Trust have now left the scene and road closures remain in place to anyone other than emergency services and local residents.
What is the cause?
The cause of the blaze is currently unknown.